An official attendance of more than 14,000 were there – although some of those left after just 15 minutes with Pompey 2-0 down and never returned.

But an eerily quiet cloud of gloom descended on the famous old ground as a 3-2 loss to Accrington arrived.

Perhaps it was shock or maybe nobody quite knew how to react.

Are things really that bad or are some being a bit over-dramatic?

Was this just a blip in some otherwise impressive results at home this season?

No doubt some supporters were caught between anger and disappointment.

Others no doubt felt they couldn’t bring themselves to criticise Andy Awford – a man who they know is giving everything for the cause – for fear he could go the same way as other former Blues heroes, Alan McLoughlin and Guy Whittingham.

That doesn’t apply to everyone, though.

There is a split developing among the fans centred on whether to give the manager that most precious commodity of time to get his under-performing team on the right track.

Some feel they’ve already seen more than enough and want change. Again.

One such disagreement in the Fratton end saw two supporters, who both share the same desire to see some success at their club, involved in an altercation and thrown out by stewards, as other fans attempted to make the peace.

One of them even chose not to celebrate a goal as his team dragged themselves back into the game because he felt it would extend the tenure of the manager he has now lost faith in.

Was that person a lone disillusioned voice who has had enough of the bad days and the stuttering form that leaves this season drifting along and crying out for an injection of momentum?

Every single one of us want change in that respect.

But would a change of manager really fix that?

Will the controversial change in the coaching staff make a difference?

Is major surgery needed to this misfiring team that continues to frustrate us with its inconsistency or are they just in need of the right formula and confidence?

Are good players who should be involved not getting their chance?

Or are Pompey just a bang average League Two side, which will win and lose in equal measure as the season trundles on?